Detection and Distribution of Begomovirus in Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci Genn.) found Infesting Selected Crops and their Population in Northwest, Nigeria.

Vegetable, root and tuber crops are vital food components of many households in Nigeria. Whiteflies are among the most serious insect pests that transmits many species of Begomovirus to these crops. A research was conducted in northwest Nigeria to detect Begomovirus in whitefly collected on selected Vegetable, Root and Tuber crops and assess their population. A field survey was conducted during the 2016/2017 dry season in three (LGAs) of each State in Northwest Nigeria. During the survey, Adult whiteflies were counted and collected on Eggplant, Tomato, Cassava and Pepper. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to detect Begomovirus in whitefly samples. Results revealed a significant difference (P<0.05) in mean whiteflies population among the States. Zamfara State recorded the highest mean whiteflies (57), followed by Katsina (54), while Kano State recorded the lowest (16). Eggplant recorded the highest whiteflies (68), followed by Cassava (50) and Pepper recorded the least (14). Sokoto State recorded the highest Begomovirus incidence (88.8 %), Kaduna and Katsina States ranked second (77.7 %) while Zamfara State had the lowest (33.3 %). Cassava recorded the highest incidence (72.7 %), Tomato ranked second (58.3 %) and the lowest was recorded on Eggplant (38.5 %). This research confirmed the occurrence of Begomovirus in whiteflies in Northwest Nigeria. The study concluded the use of effective management strategies for the control of whitefly population such as field sanitation, use of resistant varieties and application of appropriate doses of insecticides as it mitigate the spread of the virus in the study areas.